Harold Mandel, 1955-2012

Owner of legendary Flashy Trash store in Chicago

Harold Mandel, who owned a clothing store at 3524 N. Halsted St., provided period outfits for local plays and films, including 400 suits for the film “Malcolm X.” (HANDOUT)

Every October, Harold Mandel was in his element as people searched for the perfect Halloween costume inside his North Side clothing store, Flashy Trash.

The season boosted business and gave Mr. Mandel additional opportunities to offer styling advice and fashion-forward tips. He loved to make those around him feel and look better, friends and family said.

"For him, the store was letting him fulfill all of his creative, artistic and theatrical needs," said longtime friend Sheila Dunlap, 70. "He always had fun. People loved to come to the store and just hang out."

Mr. Mandel, 57, died of complications of AIDS on Monday, Oct. 22, at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago, according to his family.

Raised in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood, Mr. Mandel was a first-generation American whose mother was a Holocaust survivor, relatives said. Early on he was known for his sharp tongue, quick wit and ability to help those around him dress better.

By the time he was 13, Mr. Mandel was traveling door-to-door selling all kinds of jewelry and handmade items, said friend Linden Chubin.

"Harold was making money immediately," said Chubin, 57." He just had a way of communicating with people and connecting with them."

In 1978 he opened up Flashy Trash, which Dunlap said had two previous locations before it moved to 3524 N. Halsted St.

Like a curator of an art museum, he eagerly collected all kinds of vintage clothing and jewelry to sell at the store, which offered everything from $3 used costume jewelry to antique furs and hats. Often, Mr. Mandel provided period outfits for local plays and films, including 400 suits for the film "Malcolm X."

He scoured the Internet and flea markets around the state, looking for one-of-a-kind items to offer his clients. Then there were frequent trips to New York, where he would buy high-end designer clothing to sell on the store's racks.

Mr. Mandel often threw large parties for his closest friends. For example, during the Gay Pride Parade in Chicago, he would host rooftop parties with live music and a huge spread of food.

And even though Mr. Mandel was Jewish, he would hold an annual open house on Christmas Day with a brunch for friends and family that went into the early hours of the next morning.

In 1989, Mr. Mandel discovered he was HIV-positive. He closed his store several years ago but continued to sell clothing online.

In the days leading to his death, Mr. Mandel reminisced about his life and favorite places, like the Lake Michigan shore. At that time, he told his family he was not upset he was dying because he had "lived enough life for two people," recalled his cousin Gayle Miller.

Mr. Mandel is survived by a brother, Lenny, and a sister, Sharon Klekot.

A memorial walk will be held in Mr. Mandel's honor at 2 p.m. Saturday, starting at Foster Avenue Beach.